Absenteeism, quarantines and isolation
Public health officials say it is imperative that those who contract flu
during an epidemic be kept isolated from others. That would mean a high rate of
absenteeism in schools, both among students and staff.
So school administrators should be readying plans to address issues such as
tracking sudden surges of absentees; providing ways of getting them their
homework; arranging for an up-to-date and complete list of substitutes; and, if
necessary, extending the school year. A parent with a sick child may have to be
pro-active in acquiring needed information and materials from the schools.
During an influenza pandemic, you can expect some direction from local public
health officials, as well as your healthcare provider. In some cases, health
officials may call for isolation and quarantine.
Isolation is for people who are already ill. When someone is isolated,
they are separated from people who are healthy. Having the sick person isolated
can help to slow or stop the spread of disease. People
who are isolated can be cared for in their homes, in hospitals, or in other
healthcare facilities. Isolation is usually voluntary, but local, state and
federal government have the power to require the isolation of sick people to
protect the public.
Quarantine is for people who have been exposed to the disease but are not
sick. When people are placed in quarantine, they are also separated from others.
Even though they are not sick at the moment, they have been exposed to the
disease and may still become infectious and then spread the disease to others.
Quarantine can help to slow or stop this from happening. States generally have
the power to enforce quarantine within their borders.
If you are sick, stay home. Children should not go to school if they are
sick. Staying home will be absolutely necessary during pandemic flu to limit the
spread of the disease.
Even though you may be healthy, you could be asked to stay away from
gatherings of people, especially large gatherings. And during a pandemic, public
events could be cancelled because large gatherings of people can help the flu
virus spread.
Date last updated: December 20, 2005 |
